Joanna Teliatnik – Ward 18 candidate
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1. What key issues define your campaign platform?
Moderation and living within ones means while doing the best that we can. We need to get back to basics in running this City of ours and Ward 18 needs a councillor that will pay the proper attention to the Ward and the issues there. We can and should be delivering excellence in the core City services. I am neutral, not politically affiliated, and not a career politician and look forward to working with all groups in the community. I believe in keeping a limit on tax increases, and would vote to roll back and/or eliminate the land transfer tax and increased user fees which came into effect during the last administration.
2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I bring over 20 years’ experience in various levels of government to the table, the majority of that with municipalities in areas ranging from water and waste management to administration and finance and everything in between including community and business development. I believe in the community, and all of the people who live and work there, and that they are the driving force in the direction we take and must be a part of the process. To achieve this we all need to work together and this is the direction I want to set for the next four years in the Ward – community based and inclusive to all. Clear communication and accountability are priorities with me.
3. What specifically do you plan to do for your ward if elected?
There is a major amount of untapped talent in the Ward, some of which I am already aware of, and more that I need to find. I want to get this talent out in the open and more involved with setting the direction of the Ward and improving the community as a whole. I would like to get the community groups and the BIAs working together in improving life for all of the residents and businesspeople in the Ward. In my opinion this is where it starts, and these are the groups that will set the direction for my administration.
4. Please provide details on your personal bio.
I lived in Ward 18 for most of my life. It is where I grew up, and where I returned to after a couple of decades working in the High Arctic for various governments. I went to the neighbourhood schools, Alexander Muir, Gladstone and Parkdale Collegiate and still have strong ties there. It was and is a great place to live and work, and I firmly believe that we can only make it better.
5. Who do plan to support for mayor?
It is good to see so many great candidates in the running for the position. At present I am undecided personally, but would be prepared and happy to work with whoever the voters choose.
